Job 15:35

KJV

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

KJV (with Strong's)

They conceive {H2029} mischief {H5999}, and bring forth {H3205} vanity {H205}, and their belly {H990} prepareth {H3559} deceit {H4820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb prepares deceit."

Berean Standard Bible

They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.”

American Standard Version

They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:35, delivered by Eliphaz the Temanite, offers a stark and profound depiction of the genesis, progression, and ultimate futility of human wickedness. It vividly illustrates how malevolent intentions are internally conceived, leading inevitably to actions that yield emptiness and worthlessness, and how the deepest part of one's being meticulously plans and prepares schemes of deception. While this statement is part of Eliphaz's flawed argument against Job, it nevertheless articulates a timeless and biblically consistent truth regarding the inherent nature of sin and its barren, destructive outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Eliphaz's second discourse to Job, found in [Job 15](/job/15 "Job 15 - Eliphaz's Second Speech"). Following Job's lament in [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament and Hope"), where Job expresses his despair and questions God's justice, Eliphaz responds with increased severity and a more direct accusation. He asserts that Job's words are presumptuous and that his suffering must be a consequence of his own sin, aligning with the traditional wisdom theology that suffering is always a direct result of wickedness. Eliphaz paints a sweeping, generalized portrait of the wicked person, arguing that their own actions lead to their downfall. [Job 15:35](/job/15-35 "Job 15:35 - The Futility of Wickedness") serves as a powerful, climactic statement within this argument, illustrating the internal depravity and the inevitable fruitlessness of those who, in Eliphaz's view, oppose God or act wickedly, thereby implicitly categorizing Job among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location generally understood to be outside of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia, placing it within the broader ancient Near Eastern cultural sphere. The narrative reflects the conventions of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which frequently grappled with complex questions of divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of righteousness. Within this cultural milieu, a prevalent theological framework, particularly among Job's friends, was the retributive principle: the righteous prosper, and the wicked suffer. This was a common understanding of divine order. Eliphaz's speech, including [Job 15:35](/job/15-35 "Job 15:35 - The Futility of Wickedness"), embodies this conventional wisdom, employing familiar ancient Near Eastern imagery of conception, birth, and the "belly" as the seat of inner being to describe the internal processes of human thought and the manifestation of its outcomes.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 15:35](/job/15-35 "Job 15:35 - The Futility of Wickedness") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **origin and progression of sin**, emphasizing that evil is not merely an external act but begins as an internal gestation ("conceive mischief") before manifesting outwardly ("bring forth vanity"). This concept resonates deeply with biblical teachings that the human heart is the wellspring from which life—and sin—flows, as articulated in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **futility and emptiness of wickedness**. The "vanity" produced by evil intentions points to the ultimate worthlessness, disappointment, and lack of true substance that results from a life alienated from God's righteous ways, a theme extensively explored in the book of [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of Life"). Lastly, from Eliphaz's perspective, it touches upon the theme of **divine retribution**, asserting that God justly judges the intents and actions of the wicked, even if his specific application of this principle to Job's unique suffering was ultimately revealed as flawed by God Himself in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conceive (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** From H2029, a primitive root meaning "to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)." In [Job 15:35](/job/15-35 "Job 15:35 - The Futility of Wickedness"), this word is used metaphorically to describe the internal incubation of evil thoughts and intentions. It implies a deliberate and formative process within the mind and heart, where harmful plans or wicked schemes are not merely fleeting ideas but are actively developed and nurtured, much like a child in the womb. This emphasizes the premeditated nature of the "mischief."
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, meaning "nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol." This term signifies not only futility and worthlessness but also the trouble, sorrow, or calamity that results from evil. When the verse states that the wicked "bring forth vanity," it means that the outcome of their evil intentions and actions is not something substantial, beneficial, or lasting, but rather something empty, destructive, and ultimately leading to ruin and disappointment. It highlights the barrenness and ultimate meaninglessness of a life alienated from divine truth.
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** From H4820, meaning "fraud; craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery." This word speaks to the intentional misleading, trickery, or treachery that is at the core of the wicked person's plans. The phrase "their belly prepareth deceit" indicates that deception is not an accidental byproduct but a carefully crafted and deeply ingrained output of their innermost being. It underscores the calculated and insidious nature of their wickedness, where fraud and guile are meticulously planned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They conceive mischief":** This initial clause establishes the internal origin and deliberate nature of wickedness. The verb "conceive" (Hebrew: _hârâh'_) uses the vivid imagery of a woman becoming pregnant, indicating that evil is not merely an external temptation but is incubated, formed, and nurtured within the mind and heart. It speaks of a conscious, internal process where harmful or morally corrupt plans are formulated and allowed to grow.
* **"and bring forth vanity":** This second clause describes the inevitable outcome or fruit of the conceived mischief. Just as a woman brings forth a child, the wicked person's internal machinations manifest in actions that yield "vanity" (Hebrew: _ʼâven'_). This "vanity" signifies emptiness, worthlessness, futility, or ultimate ruin. It highlights the inherent lack of lasting substance or true benefit in the results of evil deeds, emphasizing their ultimate barrenness and disappointment.
* **"and their belly prepareth deceit":** This final clause reinforces and deepens the understanding of the internal, premeditated nature of wickedness. The "belly" (Hebrew: _beṭen'_), in biblical anthropology, often metaphorically represents the innermost being, the seat of thoughts, emotions, and moral character. This innermost self is depicted as actively "preparing" (Hebrew: _kûwn'_, meaning to establish, fix, prepare) or manufacturing "deceit" (Hebrew: _mirmâh'_). This suggests a meticulous, premeditated, and deeply ingrained disposition towards treachery, fraud, and guile, indicating that deception is not an accidental byproduct but a carefully crafted output of their very core being.

#### Literary Devices
Job 15:35 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**, effectively conveying the insidious nature of sin. The verse employs the **metaphor** of conception and birth to describe the internal origin and external manifestation of evil. "Conceive mischief" and "bring forth vanity" liken the process of developing wicked intentions and their futile outcomes to biological reproduction, making the abstract concept of sin tangible and visceral. This imagery powerfully communicates that sin is not merely an external act but an organic outgrowth of internal processes. Furthermore, the "belly" is **personified** as actively "preparing deceit," attributing a deliberate, almost industrious agency to the inner being in crafting treachery. This highlights the deep-seated and intentional nature of the wicked person's schemes, suggesting that deception is a carefully manufactured product of their core identity. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the three clauses reinforce the same central idea of internal wickedness leading to negative external results, building a cumulative and intensifying picture of depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:35, despite its original context as part of Eliphaz's misapplied judgment, articulates a profound and consistent biblical truth about the nature of sin: it originates from within the human heart and inevitably leads to emptiness, destruction, and futility. This aligns with a pervasive theological theme throughout Scripture that the human heart, apart from divine grace, is inherently inclined towards evil, a condition often referred to as original sin or total depravity. The verse emphasizes that outward actions are merely the fruit of inward intentions and dispositions, underscoring the absolute necessity of a transformed inner life. It serves as a stark reminder that true righteousness must begin at the very core of one's being, as God examines not just deeds but the very thoughts, desires, and intentions of the heart, discerning the true source of human behavior.

* [Psalm 7:14](/psalm/7-14 "Psalm 7:14 - The Wicked Conceive Mischief")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Heart as the Source of Evil")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:35 serves as a powerful and convicting call to radical self-examination and vigilant guardianship over our inner lives. It compels us to look beyond mere outward behaviors and words, challenging us to probe the true source—the intentions, desires, and hidden thoughts—of our hearts. If "mischief" and "deceit" are being conceived and meticulously prepared within us, the inevitable outcome, as the verse warns, will be "vanity"—a life characterized by emptiness, lack of true purpose, absence of lasting joy, and ultimate unfulfillment. This profound truth reminds us that cultivating genuine righteousness is not merely about avoiding overt bad deeds, but fundamentally about transforming our inner landscape, aligning our deepest thoughts and desires with God's truth and His righteous character. It encourages us to earnestly seek God's transformative grace for a renewed mind and a purified heart, recognizing that genuine, life-giving change originates at the deepest level of our being, leading to a life that produces lasting, spiritual fruit rather than the barrenness of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mischief" or harmful intentions might I be conceiving or nurturing in my thoughts, even if not yet acted upon?**
* **In what areas of my life am I investing my energy and pursuing things that ultimately lead to "vanity" or emptiness, rather than true substance and eternal value?**
* **How might my "belly"—my innermost being—be subtly or overtly "preparing deceit," either towards others in my relationships or even towards myself about my true motives and spiritual condition?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to allow God's Word and Holy Spirit to transform my inner thoughts and intentions, ensuring they lead to life-giving outcomes rather than destructive ones?**

### FAQ

**Is Eliphaz's statement in Job 15:35 true, even though he misapplied it to Job?**

Answer: Yes, the general principle articulated in [Job 15:35](/job/15-35 "Job 15:35 - The Futility of Wickedness") holds profound truth within biblical theology, even though Eliphaz's specific application of it to Job's suffering was ultimately revealed as incorrect and unjust by God Himself (cf. [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")). The Book of Job, in its entirety, challenges the simplistic retributive theology that suffering is always a direct consequence of personal sin. However, the verse's description of the internal origin and progression of sin, and the inherent futility of wickedness, is a consistent and foundational theme throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently teaches that evil thoughts and intentions do indeed originate from the human heart, as Jesus affirmed in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Heart as the Source of Evil"), and that a life built on deceit, unrighteousness, and self-serving ambition ultimately yields no lasting good, but rather emptiness, sorrow, and destruction, a truth echoed profoundly in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). Therefore, while Eliphaz's diagnosis of Job's situation was flawed, his general understanding of the nature and progression of sin is biblically sound.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 15:35 vividly portrays the human capacity for internal wickedness and its futile outcomes, it also implicitly points to the profound need for a radical divine intervention that only Christ can provide. The Old Testament's consistent emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of sin, as powerfully articulated in this verse, sets the stage for the New Covenant. Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God and the embodiment of perfect righteousness, did not merely address outward sinful acts but came to deal with the very root of sin in the human heart. He declared that "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Heart as the Source of Evil")), echoing and expanding upon the sentiment of Job 15:35. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ offers cleansing not just for our deeds but for our very nature, breaking the power of sin that "conceives mischief" and "prepares deceit." He promises a "new heart" and a "new spirit" to those who believe ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them by the power of the Holy Spirit to "conceive" righteousness and "bring forth" the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), rather than vanity and deceit. The futility of wickedness, so clearly articulated by Eliphaz, finds its ultimate answer in the abundant and eternal life offered by Christ, who transforms the "belly" of deceit into a wellspring of living water, flowing out to refresh and nourish a thirsty world ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). In Christ, the cycle of conceiving mischief and bringing forth vanity is broken, replaced by a life that bears lasting fruit for God's glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 7:14

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Hosea 10:13

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Isaiah 59:5

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.